New Yellowjacket Species Invades New England
A new yellowjacket species has made its way from Central America to New England.
According to WFSB, this rare yellowjacket species is called the Vespula Squamosa. A local yellowjacket expert named Norm Patterson told WFSB that these yellowjackets, also known as a southern yellowjacket, can be very dangerous and can bite and sting.
Patterson said, “They’re biting and stinging which just increases the pain. I thought what in the world is this? They just come screaming out at you. Very dangerous. Lethal to people who are allergic.”
Agricultural Experiment Station scientist Gale Ridge told Boston 25 News that the nests of this new yellowjacket species are much larger than others. Ridge said their nest can be as long as nine feet.
Ridge added, “They have now pushed further up into New England, and now picked up here in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and southern Massachusetts. So, they’re going to continue to go north.”
As for why the Vespula Squamosa yellowjacket is in New England, it’s due to the increase in average temperatures over the years. While this species only makes up about 5-10% of the overall yellowjacket population, experts say the species aren’t going away anytime soon.
It’s advised if anyone comes across what they suspect to be a southern yellowjacket nest, please contact a professional removal service for safety reasons.
Franklin Park Zoo Welcomes Second Baby Zebra of 2024
On the topic of new animals: The Franklin Park Zoo has welcomed a new baby animal — a Hartmann’s mountain zebra — who was born on September 4.
The female foal weighs 87 pounds and is in good health. Their parents are Zoey, 12, and Khomas, 6. This is the second Hartmann’s mountain zebra born at the Franklin Park Zoo this year. In April, the zoo welcomed a male foal, which was later named Keanu. He was the first zebra species born at the Franklin Park Zoo. Keanu’s parents are Khomas and Khumalo, 5.
Chris Bartos, an assistant curator at Franklin Park Zoo, said in a statement, “Anytime a new foal is born, it’s a reason to celebrate, and we are so happy that guests will have the opportunity to watch this foal grow up. Watching Zoey introduce her foal to her outdoor habitat has been a heartwarming experience for our staff. She is an attentive mother who is taking great care in making her foal feel safe and protected.”
The Franklin Park Zoo noted that the Hartmann’s mountain zebra has origins in Namibia, Angola and South Africa. However, since their habitat is susceptible to drought, the Hartmann’s mountain zebra has been classified as a vulnerable species.